Popovich coach of the year

October 22, 2012 1:03 PM

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Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford for the announcement at their training facility. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford for the announcement at their training facility. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford (front left) for the announcement at their training facility. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford (left) for the announcement at their training facility. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (right) receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager R.C. Buford for the announcement at their training facility. Kin Man Hui/Express-News. less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich receives the Red Auerbach trophy for being chosen as the 2011-12 NBA coach of the year on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Popovich was joined by his staff along with Spurs General Manager ... more

San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich appears to wring his hands as he answers a question during his first talk to the media since the end of the NBA lockout, at the Spurs practice facility in San Antonio, Friday, Dec. 2, 2011. Photo Bob Owen/rowen@express-news.net less

San Antonio Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich appears to wring his hands as he answers a question during his first talk to the media since the end of the NBA lockout, at the Spurs practice facility in San Antonio, ... more

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich cracks a smile during a question and answer session with media as players for the San Antonio Spurs attend their first team practice on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net less

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich cracks a smile during a question and answer session with media as players for the San Antonio Spurs attend their first team practice on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011. Kin Man ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich cracks a smile during a question... Photo-3625906.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph (5) during the first half of a pre-season NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, in Houston. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to San Antonio Spurs guard Cory Joseph (5) during the first half of a pre-season NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center ... more

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the Memphis Grizzles during first half action Monday Dec. 26, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the Memphis Grizzles during first half action Monday Dec. 26, 2011 at the AT&T Center. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to official Kevin Fehr, left, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to official Kevin Fehr, left, during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, in Houston. (AP ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches the action in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, in Minneapolis. The Wolves won 106-96. (AP Photo/Jim Mone) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches the action in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, in Minneapolis. The Wolves won 106-96. (AP ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (right) reacts to his point guard Tony Parker (09) as teammate Tim Duncan congratulates Parker after scoring late in the fourth against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012. Spurs won 101-95. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net less

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich (right) reacts to his point guard Tony Parker (09) as teammate Tim Duncan congratulates Parker after scoring late in the fourth against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at ... more

San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker (left) talks with San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich during second half action against the Denver Nuggets Saturday Jan. 7, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 121-117. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/eaornelas@express-news.net) less

San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker (left) talks with San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich during second half action against the Denver Nuggets Saturday Jan. 7, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, yells at Matt Bonner (15) during a time out against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 106-103. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, yells at Matt Bonner (15) during a time out against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, in Milwaukee. ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reacts during overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-95 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich reacts during overtime of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 101-95 in overtime. (AP Photo/Eric ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 17, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 17, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees ... more

Photo: Mike Ehrmann, Getty Images

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich reacts during a game... Photo-3625919.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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Gregg Popovich argues a call with the referee as the Spurs play Sacramento at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on January 20, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News

Gregg Popovich argues a call with the referee as the Spurs play Sacramento at the AT&T Center in San Antonio on January 20, 2012 Tom Reel/ San Antonio Express-News

Photo: TOM REEL, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Gregg Popovich argues a call with the referee as the Spurs play... Photo-3625920.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks with center Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks with center Tiago Splitter (22) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. (AP ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to point guard Tony Parker (9) and guard Daniel Green (4) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. The Spurs won 104-102. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to point guard Tony Parker (9) and guard Daniel Green (4) in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Monday, Jan. 23, 2012. The Spurs won 104-102. ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to Spurs' Tony Parker, of France, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. San Antonio won 105-83. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to Spurs' Tony Parker, of France, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the AT&T ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Pat Fraher during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Pat Fraher during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. San Antonio won 105-83. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio. San Antonio won ... more

Photo: Darren Abate, AP

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the... Photo-3625925.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) closes his eyes and listens to coach Gregg Popovich during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. The Mavericks won 101-100 in overtime. (AP Photo/LM Otero) less

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) closes his eyes and listens to coach Gregg Popovich during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks in Dallas, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2012. ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call by official Matt Boland during first-half NBA action against the Houston Rockets at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. Billy Calzada / San ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call with referee Steve Anderson during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. The Spurs defeated the New Orleans Hornets 93-81. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich questions a call with referee Steve Anderson during the second half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012. The Spurs defeated the New Orleans ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to Tony Parker(9) as they play against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Feb., 8, 2012, in Philadelphia. The Spurs won 100-90. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr ) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to Tony Parker(9) as they play against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second half of an NBA basketball game on Wednesday, Feb., 8, 2012, in Philadelphia. The ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Marat Kobut in the first half against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012. The Spurs won 103-89. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with official Marat Kobut in the first half against the New Jersey Nets during an NBA basketball game in Newark, N.J., Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012. The Spurs won ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during the second half on a NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Spurs won 106-102. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during the second half on a NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Spurs won 106-102. (AP Photo/Jim ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouts to his team in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers defeated the Spurs 137-97. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouts to his team in the fourth quarter during an NBA basketball game with the Portland Trail Blazers Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in Portland, Ore. The Trail Blazers ... more

Photo: Rick Bowmer, AP

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich shouts to his team in... Photo-3625932.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) and head coach Gregg Popovich, right, talk on the sideline during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, in Denver. (AP Photo/Barry Gutierrez) less

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9) and head coach Gregg Popovich, right, talk on the sideline during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012, ... more

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The Bulls won 96-89. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012. The Bulls won 96-89. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich yells during the second... Photo-3625934.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points out a call to a game official during their game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the AT&T Center on Friday, Mar. 2, 2012. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points out a call to a game official during their game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the AT&T Center on Friday, Mar. 2, 2012. Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich points out a call to a game official... Photo-3625935.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at a referee after a call in the second half Spurs vs Nuggets, Sunday, March 4, 2012. The Nuggets beat the Spurs 99-94. (JENNIFER WHITNEY)

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at a referee after a call in the second half Spurs vs Nuggets, Sunday, March 4, 2012. The Nuggets beat the Spurs 99-94. (JENNIFER WHITNEY)

Photo: JENNIFER WHITNEY, Special To The Express-News

Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells at a referee after a call in... Photo-3625936.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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SPURS -- San Antonio Surs head coach Gregg Popovich goes after official James Williams as assistant coaches Don Newman, left and Mike Budenholzer try to keep him away during the second half against the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. Popovich was eject in the process. The Spurs won 118-105. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less

SPURS -- San Antonio Surs head coach Gregg Popovich goes after official James Williams as assistant coaches Don Newman, left and Mike Budenholzer try to keep him away during the second half against the New York ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich follows official James Williams before he is ejected during the second half against the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The Spurs won 118-105. In back is Assistant Coach Don Newman. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich follows official James Williams before he is ejected during the second half against the New York Knicks at the AT&T Center, Wednesday, March 7, 2012. The ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich points to his players on the court during a NBA basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 12, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich points to his players on the court during a NBA basketball game between the Washington Wizards and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on ... more

Photo: JOHN ALBRIGHT, SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich points to his players... Photo-3625939.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 12, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, March 12, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani)

Photo: Bahram Mark Sobhani, AP

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich calls a play against the... Photo-3625940.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (right) and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich present a jersey to David R. Schmidt, M.D. and Becky Whetstone, Ph.D who's son Marine Lance Cpl. Benjamin Whetstone Schmidt was killed during a combat mission in the Helmand province in Afghanistan, where he was a scout sniper, on October 6, 2011. The presentation was made before a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells to his players during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells to his players during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, ... more

Photo: JOHN ALBRIGHT, San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells to his players... Photo-3625943.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with San Antonio Spurs power forward Matt Bonner (15) during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with San Antonio Spurs power forward Matt Bonner (15) during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center ... more

Photo: JOHN ALBRIGHT, SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with San Antonio... Photo-3625944.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.
John Albright / ... more

Photo: JOHN ALBRIGHT, San Antonio Express-News

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich during a NBA basketball... Photo-3625945.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argue with referee Joe Crawford (left) during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) and San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argue with referee Joe Crawford (left) during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012.
John ... more

San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (right) joins San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) and the assistant coaches on the floor during a time out during a NBA basketball game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas on March 25, 2012. Duncan sat out Sunday's game against the 76ers.John Albright / Special to the Express-News. less

San Antonio Spurs center Tim Duncan (right) joins San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich (left) and the assistant coaches on the floor during a time out during a NBA basketball game between the ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets, Friday, April 6, 2012, in San Antonio. The Spurs won 128-103. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets, Friday, April 6, 2012, in San Antonio. The Spurs won 128-103. (AP ... more

Photo: Darren Abate, AP

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich watches play during the... Photo-3625950.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to Tim Duncan during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets, Friday, April 6, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 128-103. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks to Tim Duncan during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Hornets, Friday, April 6, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to Spurs' Tony Parker, of France, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, left, talks to Spurs' Tony Parker, of France, during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, April 8, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim Urquhart) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches his team during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz on Monday, April 9, 2012, in Salt Lake City. The Jazz won 91-84. (AP Photo/Jim ... more

Photo: Jim Urquhart, AP

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich watches his team during the... Photo-3625953.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to his players during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wednesday, April 11, 2012, in San Antonio. The Lakers won 98-84. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich talks to his players during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Wednesday, April 11, 2012, in San Antonio. The Lakers won 98-84. ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich appear less than pleased by his team's play against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich appear less than pleased by his team's play against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center on Wednesday, Apr. 11, 2012. Spurs lose to the Lakers, 84-98. Kin Man Hui/Express-News.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks with Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Conley (11) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks with Memphis Grizzlies' Mike Conley (11) during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game on Thursday, April 12, 2012, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks with Tony Parker, left, of France, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Thursday, April 12, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 107-97.(AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, right, talks with Tony Parker, left, of France, during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Thursday, April 12, 2012, in San ... more

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich yells instructions to the team against the Memphis Grizzlies during second half action Thursday April 12, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 107-97. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs' head coach Gregg Popovich yells instructions to the team against the Memphis Grizzlies during second half action Thursday April 12, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, center, talks with guard Tony Parker, of France, during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 14, 2012, in San Antonio. Spurs assistant coach Mike Budenholzer is left and assistant coach Don Newman is right. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, center, talks with guard Tony Parker, of France, during the third quarter of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, April 14, 2012, in San Antonio. Spurs assistant coach Mike ... more

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9), from France, talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Monday, April 16, 2012. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) less

San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9), from France, talks with head coach Gregg Popovich during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, Calif., Monday, ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, demonstrates to official that the ball had been kicked during play in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, April 18, 2012. The Spurs won 127-102.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, demonstrates to official that the ball had been kicked during play in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento, Calif., ... more

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich debates a call with a game official during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center on Friday, Apr. 20, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich debates a call with a game official during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at the AT&T Center on Friday, Apr. 20, 2012. Kin Man Hui/Express-News.

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich debates a call with a game official... Photo-3625962.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells instructions to the team against the Cleveland Cavaliers during second half action Sunday April 22, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 114-98. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich yells instructions to the team against the Cleveland Cavaliers during second half action Sunday April 22, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 114-98. ... more

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, left, greets his players during a timeout in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday, April 23, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 124-89, clinching the top seed in the Western Conference. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, left, greets his players during a timeout in the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Monday, April 23, 2012, in San Antonio. San ... more

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with Manu Ginobili during a break in their game against the Portland Trail Blazer at the AT&T Center, Monday, April 23, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less

San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich talks with Manu Ginobili during a break in their game against the Portland Trail Blazer at the AT&T Center, Monday, April 23, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues after he was charged with a technical foul during the fourth quarter of Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, April 29, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 106-91.(AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues after he was charged with a technical foul during the fourth quarter of Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, ... more

Photo: Eric Gay, AP

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues after he was... Photo-3625966.51123 - San Antonio Express-News

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San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during the fourth quarter of Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, April 29, 2012, in San Antonio. San Antonio won 106-91.(AP Photo/Eric Gay) less

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich argues a call during the fourth quarter of Game 1 of a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Utah Jazz, Sunday, April 29, 2012, in San Antonio. San ... more

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich calls for a timeout during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Utah Jazz Sunday April 29, 2012 at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 106-91. (PHOTO BY EDWARD A. ORNELAS/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS) less

FOR SPORTS - San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich calls for a timeout during second half action of Game 1 of the Western Conference first round against the Utah Jazz Sunday April 29, 2012 at the AT&T ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich gets a technical foul during the second half of game one of the Western Conference first round at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 29, 2012. The Spurs beat the Utah Jazz, 106-91, to lead the series 1-0. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich gets a technical foul during the second half of game one of the Western Conference first round at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 29, 2012. The Spurs beat the ... more

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich looks on as the take on the Utah Jazz in game one of the Western Conference first round at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 29, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News less

SPURS -- San Antonio Spurs Head Coach Gregg Popovich looks on as the take on the Utah Jazz in game one of the Western Conference first round at the AT&T Center, Sunday, April 29, 2012. Jerry Lara/San Antonio ... more